| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| wildfoodie |
how should you dispose ofan old hard drive? I upgraded my laptop with a bigger diskdrive and I dont know what I should do with the old one. my worry about security /privacy issues have kept the thing kicking around my office and I could really do with getting shot of it. any suggestions? |
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| Treacodactyl |
It's not been updated for modern times but this might give you a few clues: http://www.fourmilab.ch/etexts/www/dupont/FarmingWithDynamite/
A more modern approach might be to get hold of a shredder program that erases files with multiple write passes. If you wish to be completely sure then physical destruction seems to be recommended but rather than smashing it up with a hamer dismanteling the unit and then rendering the disks unusable is suggested. |
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| wildfoodie |
aren't there lots of rare/polluting metals used in these things? I want to dispose of it safely if at all poss its no longer in my laptop so cant run any profgs on it without dismantling the laptop.. I'm not going todo that. was hoping to hear about a slightly more whizz bang solution than your low tech link recommends! 
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| oldish chris |
Unless the CIA or MI5 are after you, or you've got loads of incriminating evidence on it, don't see the problem. A quick smack with a hammer and then in the recycling bin. | ||
| Hairyloon |
[quote="wildfoodie:1198376"]
You can get an external drive case for a few quid. |
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| Paul Sill |
contact these guys,
http://www.dandlitrecycling.co.uk/ send it recorded delivery, they have a few options for safe disposal of hard drives. |
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| earthyvirgo |
Hammer for security of data (although I think vegplot did once use some for target practice at the Rifle Club) and electrical stuff recycling bin.
EV |
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| oldish chris |
[quote="Hairyloon:1198424"]
You can get an external drive case for a few quid. |
If the disk is several years old I'd also not wish to use it for backup puroses and I'd advise others to take care if they resuse it as it'll be more liekly to suffer data loss.
Considering people often have details about their whole lives on their HDs I don't think it unreasoanbe to carfully dispose of it.
All of mine will be going to the crematorium with me
| hairyloon wrote: |
| You can get an external drive case for a few quid. |
I like that idea.... are they one size fits all or do I have to know what I'm talking about to get one!
http://www.dandlitrecycling.co.uk/
I read that as d and litre cycling...
but they seem good - will give them a bell tomorrow if I get a moment...
failing those choices, it will probably be the hammer and recycle option..
thanks for the leads, people
this may help
http://www.laptopparts101.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/sata-ide-laptop-hard-drive.jpg
